Here’s a good one. The Sky Kingdom is an inter-faith sect located in Malaysia. It claims to promote harmony between all of Malaysia's religious groups, but is better known for its giant structures – a vase, concrete boat, umbrella and its centerpiece - a pink teapot:
The two-storey-high teapot was apparently inspired by the dreams of one of the cult's followers, and reflects a similar vessel in the sky which God uses to shower his blessings on mankind.
Followers who come to the village for the first time have to drink "holy water" pouring from a giant vase that is perpetually filled by the teapot.
Not sure why the umbrella. I would have thought giant milk and sugar bowls. Or maybe a giant cup, saucer and spoon. Anyway, religious authorities in Malaysia – an Islamic state - have outlawed the sect as a deviant cult. Well naturally. You can see the problem - if this isn't stopped, before you know it there could be cucumber sandwiches. Or perhaps the authorities are just coffee drinkers. Either way the sect has seen troubles recently, including instructions to demolish the teapot , an arson attack, and a police raid:
Malaysian police have arrested 21 suspected followers of a religious sect called the Sky Kingdom.
They were arrested for possessing documents contrary to Islam, according to an official
They failed to detain the prime target – cult leader Ayah Pin – despite searching his three houses in the commune. (Apparently the cult is profitable even if it is failing to promote very much religious harmony.) In explanation, State Islam Hadhari Development Committee deputy chairman said:
We will investigate whether there was a leak
Investigate whether there was a leak? Hahahaaa. Teapot - Leak. You can't make this stuff up.
"I would have thought giant milk and sugar bowls. Or maybe a giant cup, saucer and spoon."
England maybe (or India), but not here in the Orient. I could never figure why the English have milk in their tea. Ugh!
Posted by: et | July 19, 2005 at 06:20 AM
Don't forget the original use for an umbrella, it wasn't for rain.
Posted by: latibulum | July 19, 2005 at 07:10 AM
There you go, Skeptico, spouting off again.
I have a personal problem with the "pagodas" of Buddhism which appear to have grown out of the lingams in India. Phallic symbols are everywhere in religion, including church steeples and the cross. Perhaps even the minarets of Islam, though they have somewhat of a real function.
I wouldn't demand that any of them be taken down, however.
Not even the phallic tea pot and sexualized vase. :-)
I used to be an art history major, I'm not making this stuff up.
Posted by: Earl Grey - Hot | July 19, 2005 at 11:29 PM